This continued steady rise in cases suggests the pandemic remains in the early stages of a second wave, England's chief medical officer Sir Liam Donaldson said.

The figures show that consultations for influenza-like illness per 100,000 of population rose from 17.3 last week to 25.

Sir Liam added that 'if everything goes to plan' the vaccination programme would start in the latter half of October.

However, the exact date would depend on when manufacturers could deliver supplies, he said.

He also confirmed that the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation would meet next week to decide whether adults will need to be given one or two doses of the vaccine.